The Maclean gathering 2007 what people said to mcleanscotland of Perth the tour company

Hi Liz, First, I have to say "thank you" again for the best trip we've ever had! You are all so kind and made the trip loads of fun: SANDY ABRAMS, NY STATE. We had a wonderful time and took about 1500 pictures. Here is a link where we posted some of those pictures to share with everyone.
http://www.bobbikimballracing.com/Scotland/index.htm Note from Paul, these are great photos, mind, they had a better camera than me, Liz won't let me spend any money on a decent one! seriously, these are really good shots from everywhere - Thanks for these Sandy.

Hi, Liz! I just wanted to thank you for a perfect trip. The attention to detail could not be surpassed! Everything was thought of for us. I especially want to thank you and Paul for the extra attention to Mom's special needs. We have had an experience a with guide (in New Orleans) who did not want to bother with the needs of the handicapped, and it was demeaning and it made our trip miserable. McLeanScotland, however, treated Mom like a queen, and we are both eternally grateful. We will never forget it! Please count me in on the next gathering tour. As I promised Paul, I will soon mail CD's of my photos to you. I'm working on it! Betsy Mclean.

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond. The tour was fabulous and we all had a great time. It was wonderful to finally meet the whole Mclean Scotland gang, including Colin. Don't know how you could improve on the tour for the next gathering. Robert suggests more distilleries and more scotch taste testing (he would). We want to thank Paul for our last night together at his favorite pub. I will send him the pictures I took when I get them all printed. I wrote to Shari and Debbie and thanked them for the "first round". I have attached a little note to show how Robert and I feel about the tour. It is a Word document, so if you cannot open it, let me know. Thanks for everything, Kathy and Robert Smith
Hendersonville, Tennessee

Hey Liz--How about this? Feedback? Well, let's see.....absolutely fabulous doesn't really cover it. Nor does remarkably marvelous or wonderfully stunning. The tour of Scotland we enjoyed through McLean Scotland Tours from June 20-24 was without question, the best travel experience our family has EVER experienced. Since time would not allow us to join this tour at its beginning, Liz and Paul truly made us feel like family as they carefully planned every detail of our arrival to ensure shuttle transportation, lodging and ferry transfers ran smoothly to ensure that we arrived and joined the tour without confusion or delay. My greatest concern about this trip had been the reaction of my two sons, ages 5 and 10. Thanks to Liz and Paul's person touches, my children had a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they will never forget. McLean Scotland worked diligently to make this travel experience a personal pinnacle of memory for my entire family. I cannot stress enough the difference that their personal and detailed service made in ensuring that we left Scotland with the fondest of memories. They have our sincere gratitude for organizingsuch a memorable event, and I would never dream of planning our next trip to Scotland with any other travel agency. Alison List Fredericksburg, VA USA

The photo above shows Brian and Chrissy Wickes, believe it or not, this was the first and only time Brian has worn the kilt! Paul gave him this to wear on the second night in Edinburgh, suits him eh!

Scotland we miss you A bittersweet farewell…Scotland wrapping their arms around us to stay with family and our dogs calling us home. We first visited Scotland with Mcleanscotland in 2002 for the MacLean Gathering. It was a vacation of a life time. We missed Scotland and our very special family at Mcleanscotland…well, we just had to go back for the 2007 Gathering . For two years we e-mailed Paul and Liz with questions or just to say hi and we miss you. First we kept track by months, then days, then it got down to days, minutes and seconds before we were on our way. Paul and Liz made two night accommodations for us at Gil dun B&B so we could get the time zone cob webs out of our heads before the tour. While there we met other McLeans. Bobbie celebrating her birthday along with Paul and myself while on tour. Meeting up with Liz and Paul was like coming home. We just didn’t realize how much we miss them. Did I say 2002 was the vacation of a life time…2007 was even better. Starting in Edinburgh stopping in St Andrews, venturing to the western highlands, and Glencoe, celebrating on Mull Island were just some of the highlights to all the nooks and crannies Mcleanscotland took us to. A welcoming dinner with the world champion Denny & Dunipace pipers, greeted the McLeans that night. Ray: The Highlander gave us a lesson about Scottish history at Nethy Bridge. Our tour had a little of everything; journeys to castles, glens, lochs and quaint villages, towns and cities throughout Scotland, all narrated by the best coach driver; Colin. No other knows the history, the lands and the tales as well as Colin. He always had morning greetings and comments that never made for a dull moment on the coach. Liz and Paul you did it again with an outstanding tour. I don’t know how anyone would want to tour any other way. The camaraderie on the coach and the knowledge of Colin; just made it extra special. Five long years and counting, we’re looking forward to 2012. Love ya & Miss ya Chrissy and Brian Wickes

BEST vacation of my life - thanks for everything. I'm boooooking first now so I can get a front row coach seat in 5 years! Later! Shari Pearson

Hi Liz - Thanks for arranging for the car to drive us to Edinburgh. We had a nice chat with your driver Brian along the way. The Caldonian is a gorgeous hotel and no worries, they put us in a lovely two room king suite. We have windows that look directly across at the castle. Thanks again for all of your help and guidance. We'll keep you posted on our trip here.Cheers, Diane See photos from diane and Nick

Howdy, Please accept this as authorization to release my e-mail address to all & sundry. Had a grand time, but we are still getting caught up on sleep! Kathie figured that we had been up for 26 straight hours before we got home ( 3 AM EDT),. with only a few catnaps on the planes. I'm working on categorizing our pictures so I can send them to Bob Maclean for his website. I have most of the subdirectories/folders ready, but need to do the xfers with Kathie watching. I doubt we have any prize-winners, but you are free to use any you wish. I missed my last hug from you, Liz, so I hereby request your hubby to give you a big one for me. Paul, I hope you can get over for Stone Mtn, but if not, please send me a few business cards before January, when we start the Florida Games. Slainte,
Bob & Kathie Forsman forsmanr@bellsouth.net

Hi Liz and Paul, sorry for the delay in getting back to you, but I wanted to have some pictures ready for you. First and foremost, Michelle and I want to thank you both (again !) for an absolutely outstanding time in Scotland with you. We were so appreciative of your hospitality, it was everything we could have imagined and so much more. We didn't feel like guests, we felt like part of your (extended) family !!!On our drive from Glasgow to Oban, we couldn't stop ourselves from ''oooing'' and ''aaawing'' for the whole drive. The views are so amazing, what a country!!! Our welcome on Mull was excellent. We were a little afraid that we may be on our own during our stay, but both of you made us feel right at home and your guests on the coach tour were a great help in putting us at ease. The Isle of Mull hotel was beautiful, and James (the young jack-of-all-trades:bartender, waiter, joke teller) was a great help to Michelle and I. The Birds of Prey demonstration was fantastic and educational (who new education could be fun!). And what a great welcome with the Whisky tasting for our first night. That really put me at ease. Peter was very knowledgeable about the scotches and it certainly was very kind of him to let me take a (HUGE !) sample back for Stuart. What a great group to spend an evening with and enjoy some fine whiskies. Mull is beautiful island to see, even though the road (no plural there) was a bit narrow at times. Nice Paul. I hardly got to see the scenery I was concentrating on the road so much!!!! The McLean Gathering was a lot of fun. Michelle and I loved touring the castle and getting a little history of the place from The Chief and from other McLean's who have been to the gathering before. We even spent more time at the castle than we thought we were because we enjoyed it so much. But maybe they could use a caber tossing here and there. The hardest part of our trip was the farewell dinner in Glasgow (once again thank you, it was great). It was hard for us to say goodbye to both of you since you made us feel so welcome during our stay. Michelle and I are both glad that we can stay in touch with you. And Paul, great news that you will be able to visit in October !!! We'll also keep up to date with Stuart about your itinerary. Michelle & Matt. Canada

Liz and Paul, Mark and I arrived back in the states just fine and our flight was a little ahead of schedule...if you can believe that! Scotland was absolutely gorgeous and we enjoyed every minute of our trip......well, okay...maybe not the midges...they apparently set up camp under Mark's kilt a few times. I think that I actually saw him do the Highland Fling a time or two and he's never had a lesson..... You, Paul and Colin made this a very special trip for us. There was attention to every detail and it showed throughout our trip. The special touches like the Denny and Dunipace band members sitting at our tables and the fantastic trip to the North of Scotland made this so much more than just a "coach tour". Your hospitality is unmatched! I think that I can honestly say that the Gathering was not the highlight of the trip, but I will address that with Donald. Lots of improvements could be made there! We did love Mull and Duart Castle, however. The special side trip to see Moy Castle meant a lot to me personally, although Mark does not consider himself to be a MacLaine. Thank you so much for taking the time to ensure that we got to see it...I look forward to seeing it again upon completion of the renovation. Thanks again for the wonderful trip and all that you did for us. You are not just a travel agency to us, we consider you family and good friends. Count us in for 2012! We will not hesitate to recommend you to family and friends for your Scottish and Irish tours. I think that my friend David Pickens with Clan Cunningham is already discussing a trip with Paul. I will be seeing him next weekend at Grandfather Mountain and will let him know what a great time that we had! Talk to you soon, Julie and Mark Lane

Liz, Laura and I had a terrific time on the tour. We definitely got our money's worth, and more! The tour far exceeded our expectations. (You can quote me on that). Best features of the tour: Mull, Iona, Staffa, Ballachulish, Glencoe, Rosslyn Chapel, Ullapool, Eilean Donan, St Conan's Kirk, Kilmartin. I do wish we had more time at Eilean Donan (at least 2 hrs needed there), Inverness, and Oban. Personally, I'm sad to have missed exploring Tobermory. The only negative comment is about the restaurant staff at Nethy Bridge, and you already know about that. Colin is an absolute treasure: simply the best. We will heartily recommend to all our friends and family to use McLeanScotland for their visits. You and Paul went above and beyond our expectations. Aye, Patrick+

Liz: Just a word to let you know Betty and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was a lifetime experience for us. We did have a great time on Saturday night so my goodbye kiss in Glasgow was final. Not much chance Betty and I will come along in 2012. I'll be 83 by then and maybe getting a little old. Let's just say you made our one tour with you and Paul a memorable one. As an aside Paul's assistance in getting us to the Edinburgh airport on Sunday was a lifesaver. Please tell him how much we appreciate you both. Best to you both always. Charlie and Betty P.S. Please talk a little slower.

Liz--be prepared, I've written a novel...................WARNING: The following testimonial contains NO duck! First, in all seriousness, I must say, it was just about the best vacation I have ever had. It was my first coach tour type vacation and I wasn't sure it would be my cup of tea. I need not have worried. From the very first moment I met you, Liz, I felt at ease. I just wish you could have toured with us too. And then with Paul and Colin, the camaraderie was instantaneous. I immediately felt I had life long new friends. The same could be said for our fellow travelers. We had a great mix of people and now I know I have some new friends there too. And then to be looked after by Paul and Colin on every stop and felt our requests or input was listened to and taken, made it feel like a homey family vacation. (Granted a really big family vacation.) And Colin's narrations and driving made the trip. He is amazing and a real jewel. All three of you go so far out of your way to be helpful, to look after our needs, to keep us safe, and by golly to have FUN with us. It was a special time. And let's not forget the real star of the show.....Scotland itself. I already loved Mull, but seeing it from the family and community aspect through Paul's and through Colin's eyes made me love it even more. I felt I was not just a tourist - I belong to Mull too. The still beauty and wonder of Rosslyn Chapel will be with me forever, as will the magnificent grandeur and sadness of Glen Coe. And what a treat to see St. Conan's Kirk with it's unique style. Listening to Colin tell the story of the High Road and the Low Road and then listening to the beautiful timeless song did bring tears. But were they for the past or because the tour was almost over and we would all have to say good bye too soon? No, I didn't have a good time-----I had a GREAT time.
Much love, Debbie Pearson, Fort Worth, Texas USA

Hey you lot did it excellent, you really try to please everyone which is a mighty task, hell you have me to put up with, nah all good. hope I wasnt too bad, I got a lot done as you know maybe those rellies from Scotland will come on tour ( more from home land, or are those like me who blood ties more than most in Scotland the worst to have on board, just joking.) All for sharing photos think I have a few aye Mmmmmmmmm quite a few really. Many thanks for everything, I am still not thinking too clear it may take awhile, now now don,t say that... " along while I reckon. "Any way I will be in touch again, with other stuff take care thanks for info about Glasgow airport and everyone safe. Cheers. Carol, Say hi to Colin from us, Carol & Ray New Zealand

We had a great time and everything that you worked on was perfect. Thanks for all your hard work!! The Mull rescue birds program was wonderful. I think this would have been fabulous exposure for the program if it had been generally available to everyone there for Clan Maclean. The whiskey tasting was fun for those of our group that did it. You may not have known it, but we had a pro in our group - my son Bobby was voted three-years in a row the top bartender in Orlando, FL (in his more recent past). Melanie & Richard Cross

LIZ, I am attaching 6 photos from our Scotland tour. We all had a wonderful time and are very glad we went on the tour. We especially enjoyed the time that we could get out and wander around the countryside. Since we don't drink alcohol we weren't into the drinking get-togethers, BUT you did a great job of having alternate things for us to do. If we do another Scotland tour it would definitely be with you and we will recommend you to others. We did okay with changing hotels often but agree that it would leave more time for exploring if staying in the same hotel longer. There were some things to see, such as museums, that we didn't have time or the right time of day to explore. The museum at Glencoe looked interesting but was closed when we found it. We agree that having the "gathering" at the beginning of the tour might make the rest of the tour more relaxing. Maudean Neill and family

Liz and Paul, We just got back from our fabulous adventure in Scotland. Thank you so very much for making it so wonderful. All the hotels and B&B's were great and all the hosts were very helpful and accommodating. We had a wonderful birthday dinner for my son at the Atholl Arms and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our tour. The van was very comfortable and we had loads of room for all our bags and passengers, and gas mileage was excellent too! Again, I want to thank you for making this a seamlessly enjoyable holiday we all will remember as our best time in Scotland...we hated to leave!! Sincerely, June Kidd

Dewar's expert; Peter Guthrie said of the gathering whisky night; " It was a pleasure! and thaks for all your hospitality, it was a very pleasant evening. I'm glad the McLean Gathering went so well - and well done to you and Liz for the great atmosphere you managed to get going." Peter Guthrie, Brand Experience Co-ordinator, Dewar's World of Whisky www.dewarsworldofwhisky.com

From Ray Owens, our storyteller; "Hi Paul, a great night in Nethy Bridge, many thanks for asking me to come along, your guests were excellent, it was a pleasure to meet them all." A tail - end story to ray, he has just been asked to appear in three of the six half-hour TV shows. The show will be shown first on Scottish Television (STV) and has already been pre - sold to the History Channel as three one hour shows. He has been engaged as the Historical Consultant for the series and, together with the Director, co-writer. Well done Ray the Highlander!!!

GLASGOW Both Liz and I had a great time with you all here, for the farewell dinner. Our piper made us proud and the night went well we felt. Those on our dinner table will have know this, but no one else; I bought Liz a bottle of white wine, it came along, she poured a glass and said "don't like that", so another bottle followed "that's not that good either", one more try. It arrived with both myself and the waiter thinking "this is it, hope this is ok". It was, she liked that one and gave a huge grin, bloomin eck, it was nearly £30! I drank one of the others and the table got the other. My bar bill that night was £130. She is lovely and my very best pal, but she is fussy on her wine! We stayed up late in the bar drinking with a certain group of you, ending in us toddling off early hours. I would like to thank the staff there for helping us out to make a good dinner. I hope you could all hear my garbled speech, it was hoisted on me by Liz.

To see a good website for our Mull photographer Phil, who took the wedding photos; www.philmcdermott.com

Phil McDermott Photography - Commercial, Weddings and Landscape Photography

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